The Pigs played 2 matches against Metropolis at Columbia Park, with the D2 side kicking off at noon and D3 immediately following. The Pigs were hungry for a win against their cross-town rivals, but a few early errors proved to be their undoing. Metropolis gained an early lead in the first half, and from there it was all the Pigs could do to catch up. Things turned around in the second half though, as the Pigs refused to lay down. They were merciless in their offensive attacks, but despite their stalwart defense Metropolis still managed to maintain a lead throughout the match. The Pigs’ surge was just too little too late, and time expired with them still trailing. However, there was still another game to be played and the Pigs took the momentum they had been building from the first match and rolled it right on into the next. The second match was just as hard-fought as the first, with great rugby played by all from newcomers to old boys, and ended in a tie. All in all it was another great day of rugby.

It was a beautiful day for rugby when your Saint Paul Pigs traveled down to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to take on the Headhunters in a relegation match to determine who would stay in Division II. Both teams played with an intensity that clearly showed just how much was on the line. By the end of the match, it was obvious that both clubs deserved to stay in DII, however, there could be only one victor.

The Pigs got off to a good start when Scott Colby made a little scamper down the sideline, evading several defenders, to set up a try for Jesse “Vick” Engen. Joe “Rubber” Lang converted to put the Pigs up 7-0. Unfortunately, that was the only time the Pigs would see the try-zone, however, they were buoyed by the always excellent kicking of Zach “Padre” Boardman who managed to drill in two phenomenal penalty kicks. It was a real nail-biter though, as the Headhunters scored their second try with 5 minutes left in the match, putting them within 1 point. However, they failed to convert, and the Pigs put on a last surge of intense rugby to hold on to the lead until time expired. Final score, 13-12.

Man of the Match – Bryan “Buttons” Buxton
Big Hitter – Jesse “Vick” Engen

The Pigs won a very hard fought game 13-12 over the Cedar Rapids Headhunters to remain in Division II. Match report

The Pigs took a tough loss against the Bremer County Bucks, but will focus on the positives as they move into their next match against the Cedar Rapids Headhunters.